Sod Shrinkage: Why Gaps Form and How to Prevent Them

You’ve just laid down fresh, green sod—everything looks perfect. Then, a week or two later, you start noticing tiny cracks forming between the seams. It’s frustrating, especially when you’ve invested time and effort into your dream lawn.

Those small separations are known as sod shrinkage—gaps that appear when new sod pieces pull apart after installation. It’s a typical issue, especially in the first few weeks when your lawn is still adjusting to its new environment.

New sod is like a transplant—it needs time to establish roots and connect with the soil beneath. During this early stage, it’s particularly sensitive to changes in moisture. The main culprit behind shrinking sod is often drying out before deep roots can develop. Without consistent moisture, sod loses volume and pulls apart, creating those unsightly gaps that interrupt your otherwise perfect green carpet.

Why Gaps in Sod Form

When laying sod, it’s easy to assume that once it’s rolled out and watered, the hard work is over. After all, it looks like a finished lawn—lush, level, and instantly green. But that polished look is initially only surface-deep. Sod doesn’t come with an instant root system. During harvest, much of the root layer is severed, leaving shallow roots that depend entirely on surface moisture to survive the transition. 

If the top layer of soil dries out too quickly—because of heat, wind, or insufficient watering—the sod begins to contract. Even a single day of underwatering in the first few weeks can cause gaps to form. This is especially true for warm-season grasses, which thrive in heat but still need consistent moisture to establish a strong root system.

Moisture loss not only causes shrinkage but also delays root growth. Without deep, steady hydration, sod can’t anchor itself properly. The result? Separated seams, uneven patches, and sometimes brown sod that looks dry or lifeless.

Other Contributing Factors

1. Poor soil contact – When sod doesn’t sit flush against the ground, roots can’t absorb moisture evenly or anchor properly. This uneven contact makes the sod more prone to drying, slowing establishment and leading to visible gaps along the seams.

2. Inconsistent watering frequency – Some areas may receive more water than others, especially if your irrigation system isn’t calibrated evenly. Uneven watering leads to sections drying faster, causing patchy shrinkage.

3. Root rot or overwatering – While it’s important to keep the sod moist, too much water can suffocate the roots and cause fungal growth or brown patches. Over time, this weakens the root zone, making the sod more prone to separation.

4. Improper sod handling – Sod that sits for too long before installation can lose moisture and vitality. When installed dry, it struggles to recover and may never fully knit together.

In short, gaps usually appear when sod doesn’t get what it needs most—consistent moisture and soil contact during the establishment phase.

How to Prevent Sod Gaps

After installing new sod, the goal is to help it take root and grow into a dense, seamless lawn. Proper sod care in the beginning helps it stay hydrated, healthy, and well-connected to the soil.

Keep New Sod Consistently Moist

During the first 10–14 days after installation, new sod needs frequent watering—about two to three times a day, depending on temperature and wind. The key is to keep the soil beneath the sod consistently damp but not soggy. Mornings, mid-afternoons, and early evenings are ideal watering times.

Once you notice gentle resistance when lifting a corner of sod—a sign roots have started to take hold—you can switch to regular watering once a day. By week three or four, reduce to every other day, but water more deeply. This helps promote deep root growth, which supports long-term healthy growth and reduces the risk of shrinkage.

If you live in a particularly hot or windy area, you may need more frequent watering to keep up with evaporation. Adjust your watering schedule as needed—but always avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot and fungal growth.

Prep and Install Like a Pro

A smooth, even foundation is key to preventing gaps. Before laying sod:

• Loosen compacted soil to improve soil structure and allow roots to penetrate easily.

• Level and moisten the area so the sod sits flush and bonds quickly with the soil.

• When placing each piece, lay them snugly edge-to-edge—no gaps, no overlaps. Use a roller to press them down firmly for good soil contact.

Avoid stretching sod pieces to fit; as they dry and settle, they’ll shrink even more, creating larger gaps. A properly prepared base ensures your sod thrives and establishes faster. For a step-by-step walkthrough on proper installation, check out our comprehensive guide on how to lay sod—it covers everything from soil prep to first watering, helping you get your lawn off to the best possible start.

Watch for Early Signs of Drying

Your sod will tell you when it’s thirsty. If you notice curling edges, lighter color, or stiff grass blades, your sod is drying out. If left unaddressed, that green lawn can quickly turn into brown sod.

Boost watering immediately when you see these signs, especially during heat waves. Also, check your irrigation system for coverage gaps that may leave certain sections drier than others.

Keep mower blades sharp and avoid mowing too soon. Cutting too early or too short can stress young sod. Wait until the grass reaches the recommended grass height for your grass type, and only remove about one-third of the blade length at a time.

Feed for Strong Root Development

Fertilizing is another crucial step in helping sod establish and stay resilient. After about three weeks, apply a balanced fertilizer that provides essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients encourage deep rooting, vibrant color, and thicker coverage—all vital for preventing future shrinkage.

Fertilizers help provide essential nutrients that strengthen sod against heat stress and improve soil structure over time. Just remember to water after feeding to help nutrients penetrate the root zone and avoid fertilizer burn.

When Gaps Already Form

If you’re noticing small gaps, don’t panic—it doesn’t always mean your sod is failing. Minor separations often close naturally as roots spread and connect beneath the surface. Keep up with deep watering and light feeding to promote lateral growth.

For larger or persistent gaps, you can easily patch them. Bethel Farms offers sod grass for sale in multiple varieties to match specific lawn conditions, helping you find the right fit for your yard. For smaller spots, SodPods® grass repair pods are a convenient option—available in multiple varieties to match your existing sod. They’re affordable, quick to plant, and grow to fill bare areas seamlessly.

Whether you’re dealing with brown spots or missing edges, patching with the same variety ensures a uniform look as your lawn recovers. Continue to water and mow your lawn regularly to maintain consistency, encourage deep root growth, and further spread.

The Takeaway: Moisture Is Everything

At its core, sod shrinkage comes down to one thing: moisture. When sod dries out before it can root, it shrinks and separates. The first few weeks are critical—consistent watering, proper installation, and a mindful eye on soil moisture will make all the difference.

Remember, your sod needs steady hydration, balanced nutrition, and gentle care during those early days. Once your sod can thrive with less frequent watering, you’ll know its roots have taken hold. From there, continue caring for your lawn regularly with a solid watering schedule, sharp mowing, and seasonal feeding.

With patience and proper care, your new sod will knit together into a lush, green lawn that looks—and feels—like it’s always been there. Keep the moisture consistent, stay proactive, and your lawn will reward you with healthy growth for years to come.

For the best start, choose fresh, locally grown sod from Bethel Farms, a trusted sod farm in Central Florida known for producing resilient, high-quality varieties suited to the region’s climate. Whether you’re laying new turf or repairing bare areas, our premium sod is cultivated to help you build and maintain a truly healthy lawn—one that thrives season after season.